Thierno Barry has gone from a nightmare debut season to Everton’s indispensable hero. On Monday night the French striker scored against Newcastle for the second time in five days, earning the Toffees a deserved win at St James’ Park — and matching his entire last-season tally of eight goals in just 12 games this term.
Thierno Barry (Image Credits: Getty Images/BBC)
Thierno Barry Goals: From £27m Flop to Everton’s Main Man
Only Erling Haaland (13) has scored more goals among Premier League players in all competitions this season than Barry’s eight. As Everton’s only recognised senior striker following Beto’s move to Fiorentina, the 24-year-old is currently indispensable to David Moyes’ side.
The turnaround is remarkable given how rough it started. Barry managed just one shot across his first 16 Everton games after joining from Villarreal last summer, and last month he posted a video of himself breaking down during a private training session. “I was working a lot during the summer and now we can see the result,” he told Sky Sports. “I want to enjoy more than last season and I enjoyed my celebration so I am happy.”
Barry’s Revival Powers Everton Up the Table
Barry leads the Premier League in the proportion of his team’s big chances he’s involved in — 15 of 24 (62.5%) before Monday’s match. Former defender Jamie Carragher noted the shift: “We know Barry misses chances, but we also know this season he keeps going and he scores goals.” His Monday strike was a controversial one, with Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle claiming “a clear foul on Fabian Schar” in the build-up — but the knee slide and dance moves that followed showed a player finally enjoying his football on Merseyside.
Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
